“But how do I know if they need my help?
What a fantastic question asked on Tuesday evening by one of our Wonderful 10 year old’s!
At this age, we find many children want to be more helpful towards their friends and family. They are learning that by being helpful towards another, they can simply:
Show their kindness,
2. Connect with another.
How amazing is that?!
However, there are a few obstructions to being helpful. Some concerns include (in their own words):
“How do I know if they need my help?”
“What do I do if I can’t actually help them?”
“How can I be helpful if none of my friends are hurt or stuck on something?”
“I can never be helpful to my parents…I’m just a kid!”
Some very valid concerns and comments, wouldn’t you agree?
In response, we can give our kids tools and processes to implement so that they can overcome these valid obstructions and continue to be helpful.
Obstacle 1: How to know if someone needs my help ==> Ask them. Check-in and ask “do you need some help with that?” Very often, we will learn that what the other person wants help with is not what we assumed.
Obstacle 2: What if I can’t actually help them ==> Find them someone who can. Brainstorm with your kids a list of people in their environment whom they can reach out to for help. Doing this proactively ensures they can go to these people in the moment rather than panic. E.g. A parent, teacher, friend, relative, sibling…etc.
Obstacle 3 & 4: How to be helpful to adults and those who are not hurt or stuck ==>
Being helpful is not about waiting for someone to be in trouble. Helplessness is an extreme circumstance we don’t come across every single day. It’s not the only time we can be helpful. In fact, we are helpful everyday. The simple things matter the most!
Below are a few ways children can be helpful to others (including adults!) Use this to start a discussion with your kids this weekend!
“Do small things with great love. You’ll make a big difference””